Microsoft has introduced headsets and other devices to work with its software that aim to replace the traditional office phone and deliver e-mails, instant messages and phone calls over the Internet.

Microsoft worked with nine technology manufacturers including Samsung Electronics and NEC to develop hardware to work with its unified communications strategy.

Instead of one system for phones and another for e-mails and instant messaging, Microsoft wants all communications to run over Internet networks on its Office Communicator programme.

Microsoft forecasts that the shift to Web-based phone systems will gain momentum during the next three years, eventually generating billions of dollars in new revenue for the company.

The new products include an Internet Protocol phone from NEC that connects to a computer’s Universal Serial Bus and a Bluetooth headset that connects via wireless technology to the Office program made by LG-Nortel, a joint venture of LG Electronics and Nortel Networks.

Other hardware manufacturers working with Microsoft are ASUS, Plantronics, Polycom, Tatung and Vitelix.

Reuters